Could I Sue a Driver for Causing an Accident While Eating?

You know that talking and texting on a phone while driving is a dangerous habit, but did you know that eating while driving is also a form of distracted driving?

A study published in the New York Daily News found that 80 percent of motor vehicle accidents and 65 percent of near-misses were caused by distracted drivers who were not texting or talking, but rather were eating.

Distracted driving is becoming a concern in the United States. It takes multiple lives each day and injures thousands in the United States. Distracted driving is quickly catching up to drunken driving as one of the deadliest actions on the roadway; and, it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.

In most of the reports on distracted driving, the focus has been on phones, which is why most states are placing partial or entire bans on cellphone use. However, lawmakers ignore the fact that eating and driving is just as dangerous. Even if drivers do not have criminal penalties for eating and driving, they could face civil penalties, because eating while driving is still a reckless act.

Why is Eating and Driving Dangerous?

It keeps the driver from having both hands on the wheel.

A driver’s eyes are off the road when eating.

The driver does not notice changes in the road or notice key road signs.

A driver’s reaction time is slowed significantly.

Sometimes, there are instances where the driver is not only eating, but he or she is also intoxicated. When this happens, the driver is fatigued and the risk for distractions are even higher.

How a Kentucky Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

While the driver who caused the accident may not have any distracted driving citations, he or she was still responsible for your injuries and is negligent at the time of the accident. If a distracted driver injures you, regardless of what action caused the distraction, you have the right to sue for compensation.

Receiving compensation for lost wages. After all, you missed time from work to recover from your injuries.

Receiving compensation for lost future wages. If you are disabled because of the accident, or you will be unable to work as you once did, you can receive compensation for those injuries and losses.

Receiving compensation for pain and suffering. No one should have to suffer from an injury that was caused by someone’s negligence. You could receive additional compensation for your pain and suffering.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today

After your vehicle accident, if you know the other driver was distracted, contact the Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC. Attorney Seth Gladstein will work as your advocate to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Schedule a consultation with him today at 800-991-0474 or request more information online.